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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Paris Stalker...

I don't know how Scott does it? Well maybe if I looked like The Sartorialist I too could shoot people in Paris from the side, front or full on.Give me a back and I know what to do with it. Very non-confrontational too. And a person's back reveals alot about them, like Paul Bocuse. I find it so much easier to shoot backs in Paris.I wish I had the nerve to do otherwise but. Give me a tarte any day and I can shoot it every which way, under any conditions. I'm fearless.With the French, I'm sticking to backs. Purple socks! A purple hoodie and a scooter in Galeries Lafayette!

Chic Parisiens leave the Louvre on a rainy day.

Apartment browsers with turquoise boots and ballerinas.

Apartment ads are a good place to catch the unaware Parisien.

Shirt tails hanging out.

Are ever present on Paris streets.

A front shot of feet about to yell at me?

I run away vite, vite, vite!

I'm with French Girl, on theMetro. She notes this well-dressed Parisian. When she saw me take a shot as the door closed, she said,"I don't know you!"

Fr Girl says I should stake out one spot and shoot. And not run down street chasing after 'backs'.I'll stick to what's inside. Even when the vendeuse puts her hand in front of my camera and says, "NO PHOTOGRAPHS!"The tartes don't mind. They are happy to pose patiently

32 comments:

;))Probably easier if you have a long lens and they don't see you taking their photos. Backs are good, though, anyway! Fun, Carol. Or you pretend you're snapping away at some wonderful piece of architecture, and instead you're catching those purple tights! have fun!

Love this post. Makes me miss Paris and my youngest daughter who is there going to university. I searched all the photos to see if perhaps you snapped her...what are the chances??!! crazy Mama! I have not visited you in a while and forgot how very much I enjoy your posts and your art.

I too, LOVE taking pics of backs, they are so expressive, and your drawn to body language instead of just what their face is saying. I have many pics of my kids backs from babyhood to teenhood. Love them.

I don't know if it was your intention, but this post was pretty funny...I enjoyed your shots of peoples backs and shoes...and of course your beautiful pastry shots too! So nice to start my day off with Paris.. Thanks!

I find that all the best candid shots I get in Paris are of people kissing. Because you know what? They're serious about kissing, and if they're in the midst of a romantic interlude, they do not notice you and your camera. Unfair advantage? Mabye. But it made for a beautiful photo essay.

CarolHave you ever see the square tart pans like the ones Fauchon makes their little lemon tarts in ?Ive been looking for a few years with no luck.Thank you so much for your Yummy pictures.Have a fantastic day and thanks to you I bought the book Sucree from Amazon Canada.Take care.Shiva

Dear Carol,I don't blame you for shooting backs, since I have found the Parisians to be less than friendly. We are in the States for the year and the level of friendliness is much higher. I wonder what accounts for the difference? Perhaps your readers have some clues? We will be back in Paris next year and I would love to be able to spread the good feelings I feel here to our Parisian "friends."Laurie

It ain't easy LaurieTwo very different cultures with very different values.And privacy factor is major with the French in my opinionI love my French friends and accept their ways. I don't think I'd want them to change.Have you read this blog?Carolg

Love your post today. Very funny, but true about the ease of taking "rear view" photos. A photo taken of a subject walking away with a distinct backgound, can make for a very atmospheric or mysterious appearing photo.Maureen

Just curious.....????Has anyone ever confronted you about taking their picture....??? Do you ask permission....???? On average how many shots do you take while in Paris....???? On my first trip to Paris, I filled up a couple digital cards and about 8 diposable cams (6 color and 2 black and white)... For the most part if I was taking pics in touristy areas everyone didn't mind and were sometimes helpful...But a few times in areas off the beaten path I got a few glares from locals..... Marty

Really enjoyed this post. I too am very reluctant to shoot photos of random people on the street here in Paris. I'm rather a private person too, so I understand - and also afraid of getting yelled at... Love those blue boots.

I'm with the last two. Especially Fifi! But ohhhh those blue boots! I did have a florist threaten to smash either my face or my camera in Aix en Pce for taking pictures of his lovely arrangements. But then Aix is another animal entirely. Even the French say that the Aixois are trop snob. I loved the older Baguettes post too! Heading back for more!

I love that photo of the Gal in the metro. Noticed lots of blue. blue jeans, blue tights, blue boots..teal blue anyway, and lots of black. not so crazy about the wine colored tights tho. LOLThanks for your nice comment on my drawing.

Lol! I am the same way- hopelessly shy! You inspired me to take a picture of my local dessert counter, so when I was in Whole Foods I pulled out my camera and took a picture. Everyone waiting for the deli gave me a funny look but I didn't mind too much- I got a great shot- you would highly approve! xo

Love it! When we were in Paris, I would pretend to be taking a picture of my hubby or daughter who would stand by whom I really wanted to take the picture of...works like a charm! I will have to do a post about it sometime! lol

Just discovered your blog, and have fallen in love with it. Do keep taking photos (front, back, stalker-mode... whichever you can muster up the courage for), and sharing la vie Parisienne through your eyes.

PARIS in yr Mailbox!

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5 and I'm still at it. Now I live by the Seine on l'Ile Saint-Louis. Do consider subscribing to my Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a taste of Paris in your mailbox every month to savor with a hot chocolate and croissant. I paint Paris dreams.